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Israel Rejects U.S.-Backed Lebanon Ceasefire Proposal Amid Escalating Conflict

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Israel firmly rejected proposals for a ceasefire with Hezbollah on Thursday, defying calls from allies including the United States for an immediate three-week halt in fighting. The decision dashes hopes for a swift resolution to the escalating conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated unequivocally on social media platform X, “There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes.”

This stance comes in direct opposition to a U.S.-led initiative calling for a 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border. The proposal, supported by France and other allies, aimed to create space for diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, en route to New York to address the United Nations, indicated he had not yet formally responded to the truce proposal but had instructed the military to continue operations. Hardline members of his government have advocated rejecting any truce and intensifying attacks on Hezbollah.

The conflict has seen Israel launch its heaviest airstrikes against Lebanon since the 2006 war, resulting in over 600 deaths in the past week. Hezbollah has retaliated with hundreds of missile strikes, including unprecedented attacks on Tel Aviv, though Israel’s aerial defense systems have limited the damage.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati had expressed hope for a swift ceasefire, telling Reuters, “Hopefully, yes” when asked about the prospects. However, Israel’s rejection appears to have scuttled immediate prospects for peace.

The situation has displaced hundreds of thousands in Lebanon, with many seeking refuge in schools and other facilities in Beirut. Aid organizations are scrambling to provide basic necessities to the displaced population.

Israel’s military reported striking dozens of Hezbollah targets on Thursday, including fighters, military buildings, and weapons depots. Concurrently, approximately 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon towards Israel’s western Galilee area.

The ongoing violence has raised concerns among neighboring countries, with Turkey reportedly preparing for the possible evacuation of its citizens and foreign nationals from Lebanon.

As the conflict intensifies, world leaders continue to voice growing alarm over the rapid escalation and its potential to spark a broader Middle Eastern war. The situation remains highly volatile, with international diplomatic efforts continuing despite Israel’s firm stance against a ceasefire.

Dominican President Warns of ‘Drastic Measures’ if Haiti Anti-Gang Mission Fails

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Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader issued a stark warning at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, threatening “drastic measures” to protect his country if the U.N.-backed anti-gang mission in neighboring Haiti fails.

Abinader, addressing world leaders in New York, did not specify what actions his administration might take. His comments underscore growing regional concerns about Haiti’s deteriorating security situation, where gangs control approximately 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The Dominican leader expressed gratitude to Kenya for leading the mission in Haiti, with nearly 400 Kenyan police officers recently joined by personnel from Jamaica and Belize. However, he noted that the current deployment falls significantly short of the 2,500 personnel pledged by various countries.

Abinader emphasized the necessity for the mission to be fully established to enable free and transparent elections in Haiti, which has not held polls since 2016. “Practically one year from the holding of elections, the conditions are still not in place to do so,” he stated, adding, “We cannot allow the effort made to date to fail. If that were to happen, Haiti’s collapse would be imminent.”

The president highlighted the strain Haiti’s instability has placed on the Dominican Republic, citing that 10% of medical appointments in his country last year involved Haitians, and 147,000 of 200,000 foreign minors in the Dominican education system are of Haitian origin.

Abinader’s administration has faced criticism for its treatment of Haitians, with government data showing over 170,000 deportations of individuals believed to be Haitian last year. The U.N.’s International Organization for Migration estimates this number to be closer to 224,000.

The speech comes as the U.S. government warns that the Haiti mission lacks resources, with discussions ongoing about a possible U.N. peacekeeping mission. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with officials at the U.N. to discuss the mission’s status, contributions, and future deployments.

As Haiti’s crisis deepens, with over 3,600 reported killings in the first half of this year and nearly 700,000 Haitians displaced, Abinader’s warnings reflect growing regional anxiety about the potential for further instability in the Caribbean.

The situation remains fluid, with the international community watching closely as efforts to stabilize Haiti continue amid escalating violence and political uncertainty.

South Africa Repatriates Remains of 42 Anti-Apartheid Activists from Zimbabwe and Zambia-AP

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The remains of 42 South African freedom fighters who died in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia during the struggle against apartheid were repatriated to their home country on Wednesday. The solemn ceremony took place at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, where government officials and family members received the remains.

This repatriation is part of a broader government initiative to bring closure to families whose loved ones died abroad while serving in the underground structures of both the African National Congress (ANC) and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Many activists left South Africa during the apartheid era to receive military training or to avoid arrest for their anti-apartheid activities, with Zimbabwe and Zambia serving as key bases for underground operations.

Among the repatriated remains were those of prominent struggle stalwarts Duma Nokwe, Florence Mophosho, and Basil February. These individuals played significant roles in the fight against white minority rule, which ended in 1994.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, speaking at a Heritage Day event on Tuesday, emphasized the educational importance of this repatriation. “As a national memory project, this initiative aims to commemorate, celebrate, educate, promote, preserve, conserve, and provide a durable testament to South Africa’s road to freedom,” Mashatile stated.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to host a homecoming ceremony for the repatriated remains on Friday before they are handed over to families for reburial. This event is expected to be a poignant moment of national reflection on the sacrifices made during the anti-apartheid struggle.

The government has announced that this repatriation effort is ongoing, with plans to bring home the remains of other South Africans from countries including Lesotho, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Angola, and Russia. Deputy Defense Minister Bantu Holomisa expressed hope that this process would help more families find closure, stating, “I hope this process will culminate in getting more people in other countries who died under difficult conditions. We welcome them back to connect with their families.”

Trump Describes Ukraine as ‘Demolished,’ ‘Can’t be Rebuilt’ Questions U.S. Aid in Ongoing Conflict

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Former President Donald Trump painted a bleak picture of Ukraine on Wednesday, describing the country as “demolished” and its people as “dead,” raising questions about his potential approach to the conflict if re-elected.

Speaking at an economic event in North Carolina, Trump argued that Ukraine should have made concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin before Russia’s February 2022 invasion. “Any deal — the worst deal — would’ve been better than what we have now,” Trump stated, suggesting that even significant territorial concessions would have been preferable to the current situation.

Trump’s comments came in response to recent criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who told The New Yorker that Trump “doesn’t really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how.” Trump began his remarks by addressing this, saying, “The president of Ukraine is in our country and he’s making little nasty aspersions toward your favorite president, me.”

The former president described Ukraine as a country in ruins outside its capital, Kyiv, short on soldiers and losing population to war deaths and emigration. He questioned whether Ukraine has any remaining leverage in potential peace negotiations.

Trump laid blame for the conflict on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing them of encouraging the war by pledging to help Ukraine defend itself rather than pushing for territorial concessions to Russia. “Biden and Kamala allowed this to happen by feeding Zelenskyy money and munitions like no country has ever seen before,” Trump said.

These remarks follow a recent debate in which Trump pointedly refused to say whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war. On Tuesday, he praised Russia’s military prowess, saying that wars are “what they do.”

Trump’s comments contrast sharply with the current U.S. administration’s stance. Zelenskyy is currently in the U.S. to attend the U.N. General Assembly and is expected to present what he calls a victory plan for the war, including requests for long-range Western weapons to strike Russian targets.

While Trump did not directly attack Putin’s reasoning for the invasion, he suggested that the conflict would not have started had he been in office, adding that Putin is “no angel.”

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump’s views on the Ukraine conflict and U.S. foreign policy continue to diverge significantly from those of the current administration, potentially signaling a major shift in U.S. approach to the region if he were to return to office.

Israeli Airstrike Kills 23 Syrian Workers, Family Members in Lebanon

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An Israeli airstrike in northeastern Lebanon killed 23 Syrian workers and their family members, Lebanese officials reported Thursday. The strike, which occurred late Wednesday near the ancient city of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, marks one of the deadliest single attacks in Israel’s intensified air campaign against the militant group Hezbollah.

Ali Kassas, mayor of the village of Younine, told Lebanon’s National News Agency that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were recovered from the rubble of a building hit in the strike. Four Syrians and four Lebanese were also wounded in the attack.

Local official Hussein Salloum described a grim scene, stating that most of the victims were women and children. Rescue efforts continued through the night and into Thursday morning, with limited resources available. “We dug through the rubble with our own hands,” Salloum told The Associated Press, adding that a small bulldozer was eventually brought in to assist.

The Lebanese Red Cross reported recovering nine bodies, while others were retrieved by Hezbollah’s paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defense.

This tragic incident underscores the vulnerability of Syria’s refugee population in Lebanon. The country, with about 6 million residents, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands more who are unregistered — the world’s highest refugee population per capita.

The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has conducted days of heavy airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah rocket launchers and military infrastructure. In response, Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel, recently targeting Tel Aviv with a longer-range missile for the first time.

As violence intensifies, the United States and its allies have called for an “immediate” 21-day ceasefire to “provide space for diplomacy.” However, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would continue fighting “with full force until victory.” Hezbollah has not yet responded to the ceasefire proposal, insisting it would only halt attacks if there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Lebanese health authorities report that Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, with about a quarter being women and children. Tens of thousands have been driven from their homes on both sides of the border.

As international concern grows over the escalating violence, the situation remains volatile, with Israel vowing to do whatever necessary to allow its citizens to return and moving thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation.

apnews.com

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Criminal Charges

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury on criminal charges, according to sources familiar with the matter. The indictment, which remains sealed, marks an unprecedented development in the city’s political history as Adams becomes the first sitting mayor to face federal charges.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment on the indictment, which was first reported by The New York Times. Details of the charges against Adams, a Democrat elected in 2021, have not been made public.

In response to the news, Adams released a statement implying he had not been officially informed of the indictment: “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”

This development comes amid a series of federal investigations into Eric’s administration that have intensified over the past year. The probes have involved multiple raids, subpoenas, and high-level departures from City Hall, creating a crisis atmosphere in the mayor’s office.

Key events in the investigation include FBI agents raiding the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, in November 2023, followed by the seizure of Adams’ phones and iPad days later. In September 2024, federal investigators seized electronic devices from several top city officials, including the police commissioner and schools chancellor.

The investigations reportedly cover multiple areas, including campaign fundraising, possible influence peddling in police and fire departments, and potential connections to the Turkish government.

Adams, a former police captain, has repeatedly denied knowledge of any wrongdoing and vowed to remain in office. However, the indictment raises questions about his ability to govern effectively.

If Adams were to resign, he would be replaced by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who would then schedule a special election. Governor Kathy Hochul also has the power to remove Adams from office.

The indictment follows calls from some politicians, including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for Adams to resign due to the ongoing investigations and departures of top officials.

As the legal process unfolds, this unprecedented situation poses significant challenges for New York City’s governance and political landscape. The sealed indictment leaves many questions unanswered about the specific charges Adams faces and their potential impact on his administration and the city at large.

GOP Rep. Clay Higgins Faces Backlash Over Deleted Post Targeting Haitian Migrants

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Republican Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana faced intense criticism Wednesday after posting and subsequently deleting a social media message that referred to Haitian migrants as “thugs” and “slapstick gangsters,” telling them to get “their a** out of our country.”

The controversial post prompted immediate action from House Democrats. Representative Steven Horsford of Nevada, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, called for an investigation by the House Committee on Ethics and pushed for Higgins’ censure, a significant rebuke for a member of Congress.

Higgins, when approached by CNN, stated he did not regret his comments, saying, “It’s all true. I can put up another controversial post tomorrow if you want me to. I mean, we do have freedom of speech. I’ll say what I want.”

The incident led to a heated exchange on the House floor between Horsford and Higgins. Horsford later told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that he had asked Clay to delete the post, to which Higgins reportedly replied he would pray about it.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries suggested that Republicans should consider removing Higgins from a bipartisan task force investigating assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump, given his comments about Haitian migrants.

The controversy comes amid false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, propagated by some Republican figures. Many of the Haitian immigrants referenced are legally in the United States as part of a parole program.

House Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to defuse the situation, claiming Higgins regretted his post after praying about it. However, this contradicts Higgins’ own statements to the press.

As the debate over appropriate political discourse continues, this incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and the use of social media by elected officials.

Tottenham Set to Host Qarabag in Europa League Opener

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Tottenham Hotspur are set to kick off their Europa League campaign on Thursday night, hosting Azerbaijani champions Qarabag at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The match, scheduled for 20:00 GMT, marks Spurs’ return to the competition for the first time since their 2020/21 elimination by Dinamo Zagreb.

Ange Postecoglou’s side enters the fixture in good form following an impressive 3-1 victory over Brentford in the Premier League last weekend. The Australian manager is expected to rotate his squad, balancing European ambitions with domestic priorities.

Tottenham will be without Cristian Romero, who is suspended following his red card in last season’s Champions League match against AC Milan. Radu Dragusin is likely to deputize in defense. Injuries to Wilson Odobert and Richarlison further limit Postecoglou’s options, though Yves Bissouma is available after returning from injury.

Qarabag, meanwhile, arrive in London having won their last three matches. However, they face the challenge of rebounding from a comprehensive 5-0 aggregate defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League play-offs. The Azerbaijani side will be without suspended center-back Kevin Medina and injured goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev.

Historical context favors Tottenham, who have won both previous encounters with Qarabag in European competition. Their last meeting in November 2015 saw Spurs secure a 1-0 away victory in the Europa League.

While victory on Matchday 1 isn’t crucial due to the extended league phase format, Tottenham will view this as an opportunity to start their European campaign strongly. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the United Kingdom and on Paramount+ in the United States.

As Tottenham balances domestic and European ambitions, this fixture presents a chance for Postecoglou to assess his squad depth and for fringe players to stake their claim for regular first-team action. With a challenging Premier League trip to Manchester United on the horizon, Spurs’ approach to this Europa League opener will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.

France Reports Progress on Lebanon Ceasefire Deal at UN Security Council

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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday that significant progress has been made towards a 21-day ceasefire deal in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The announcement came during a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on the deteriorating situation in the region.

“We have made important progress in the last few hours and we will continue our efforts in the coming hours,” Barrot told reporters outside the Security Council chambers. He urged both parties to accept the proposal “without delay, in order to protect civilian populations and allow for diplomatic negotiations to begin.”

The diplomatic push comes as Israel intensified its airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in at least 72 deaths and 223 injuries, according to Lebanese health ministry statements compiled by Reuters. The widening conflict has raised fears of a broader Middle East war, with Israel’s military chief suggesting the possibility of a ground assault.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood informed the council that Washington is working with other countries to prevent further escalation, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and enable discussions on a comprehensive diplomatic solution.

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon expressed openness to a ceasefire, stating Israel’s preference for a diplomatic resolution. However, he emphasized that lasting peace would require addressing what Israel sees as the Iranian threat in the region.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the Security Council to pressure Israel for “an immediate ceasefire on all fronts,” expressing hope for a swift resolution.

The conflict has displaced up to half a million people in Lebanon, according to the country’s foreign minister. In Beirut, thousands of people from southern Lebanon have sought shelter in schools and other buildings.

Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah leaders and hundreds of sites deep inside Lebanon, while the militant group has launched rocket barrages into Israel. The violence has escalated rapidly, with Monday’s Israeli bombing resulting in Lebanon’s deadliest day since its 1990 civil war, killing over 550 people.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Friday, potentially influencing the trajectory of peace negotiations.

The ongoing conflict has put pressure on the U.S. administration, which has unsuccessfully sought a ceasefire in Gaza for nearly a year. The situation has become politically costly for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, with increasing calls for a diplomatic solution.

As world leaders express growing concern over the rapidly escalating conflict, all eyes remain on the diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and prevent further loss of life in the region.

Source: Reuters

USA Wrestling Star Alan Vera Dies at 33 After Cardiac Arrest

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Alan Vera, a prominent figure in USA Wrestling, died Monday night at the age of 33, two months after suffering cardiac arrest during a recreational soccer game in New Jersey.

Vera, who immigrated to the United States in 2016 and became a standout in Greco-Roman wrestling, went into cardiac arrest on July 29 while playing with his team, New Jersey Wolves FC, in Jersey City. After weeks of fighting for his life, Vera succumbed to “an unexpected infection” that developed over the weekend, according to a GoFundMe page set up to assist his family.

USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender expressed the organization’s grief in a news release: “Our hearts have been broken. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Elena, Alina and all of Alan’s family, as well as those who have known Alan. The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world.”

Vera leaves behind his wife, Elena Pirozkhova, and their newborn daughter Alina, born this summer. The GoFundMe campaign to support his family had raised over $43,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

Herb House, USA Wrestling National Greco-Roman Coach, praised Vera’s character and impact: “Ever since he came into my life in 2016, he has been a true leader, always ready to do anything for anyone in need. His selflessness and dedication have made a lasting impact on me.”

Vera’s journey in American wrestling began when he immigrated to the United States in 2016, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the Greco-Roman style. His untimely death has shocked the wrestling community, leaving a void in the sport he dedicated himself to after arriving in America.

As the wrestling world mourns, Vera’s legacy as both an athlete and a person of character continues to resonate with those who knew him, underscoring the impact he made in his relatively short time competing for the United States.

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